On this day in 2009 TM Dilshan pulled off the ‘Dil Scoop’ one of the most innovative shots ever seen on a cricket ground.
The Dil Scoop was the most talked about shot during the 2009 T20 World Cup in England, when Dilshan used it to mesmerise bowlers and scoop his way to the top of batting charts in that tournament. Let us have a look at the story behind it.
How did Tilakratne Dilshan develop the Dil Scoop?
“It was in the second edition of the IPL in 2009, which was played in South Africa. In one of the matches, I saw everyone playing the paddle sweep. I remember I played a shot off Mitchell Marsh which went over the wicket-keeper. That time the shot had no name and the ball went over Adam Gilchrist’s head behind the stumps… who got upset and threw his gloves.”
“Following that shot, he stood back and I batted more freely after that. I was able to go down the track to the bowler and attack him.”
“I discussed the shot with my coach Chandika Haturusingha, and after I returned to Sri Lanka I practiced the shot with a tennis ball.”
“Just before the 2009 World T20 I practiced the shot for more than one month with a tennis ball. I played it in the first match against Australia, against Shane Watson, and it went for a six. I have just continued playing it with great effect and that is how the Dilscoop came into existence.”